Pauline Collins, Beloved ‘Shirley Valentine’ Actress, Dies at 85
Pauline โคCollins, the British actress celebrated for her iconic portrayal of a Liverpool housewife finding โliberation in the play and film Shirley Valentine,โค has died at age 85. The news was confirmed by the Associated Press on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
Collins passed away peacefully in a care home inโฃ north London followingโฃ a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her career spanned six decades, evolving from early televisionโ roles to international acclaim on โstage and screen, and cementing her place as a beloved figure in British entertainment.
collins first gained recognition in the 1960s โขandโ ’70s with roles in the BBC sitcom The Liver Birds and the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. However, it โwas her performance as Shirley Valentine โ- a woman who rediscovers herself through a whirlwind romance while on vacation in Greece – thatโฃ catapulted her to global stardom.
Her portrayal in the 1989 โขfilm adaptation of Shirley Valentine โฃ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, following earlier wins for the โฃsame โrole including a BAFTA and an Olivier Award for her stage performance. The Guardian noted the role showcased her remarkable range and โขability to connect withโ audiences.
According โtoโ people, Collins’ husband of 55 years, actor โJohn Alderton, paid tribute to herโค generosity and talent. Beyond Shirley โValentine, Collins’ filmography included notable โฃroles in the war drama Paradise Road and the ensemble film Quartet.
In 2001, Collins was appointed โan โขOfficerโ of the โOrder of the โbritish Empire (OBE) for her services to drama. She is survived by Alderton and their three โขchildren.
